Thomas Tuchel has urged England to finish their World Cup campaign on a high after delivering an emotional address to his squad following Wednesdays heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina. The England boss spoke to his players after they returned to their Kansas City base, encouraging them to put the disappointment behind them and produce one final performance against France in Saturdays third-place play-off.Tuchel also told the squad how proud he was of their efforts throughout the tournament after guiding England to only their fourth mens World Cup semi-final.Victory over France in Miami would secure Englands best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.Tuchels speech comes after a difficult few days following Englands dramatic 2-1 defeat to Argentina, where Lionel Messi inspired a late comeback after Anthony Gordon had given the Three Lions the lead.The defeat has sparked questions over Tuchels tactics, with reports that several senior players were left frustrated by the teams approach after going in front.England switched to a back five and made several defensive substitutions during the closing stages before Enzo Fernandez equalised and Lautaro Martinez scored a stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the final.However, Tuchel has since rejected suggestions that his instructions were responsible for Englands retreat.The German insisted it was never the plan for his side to sit deep and admitted controlling games after taking the lead is maybe not in our DNA to control the game and ball.The England manager is expected to face further questions about his tactical decisions during Fridays pre-match press conference ahead of the meeting with France.Despite the criticism following the semi-final defeat, Tuchel continues to enjoy the full backing of the Football Association.The 52-year-old signed a two-year contract extension in February after initially being appointed in January 2025 on an 18-month deal with the objective of winning the 2026 World Cup.He is expected to remain in charge through to Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Topics England National Football Team Thomas Tuchel Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read England manager favourite Guardiola reveals what would tempt him back: I have a real connection with the UK Ben Miller 17th July, 2026 France v England: Expected line-ups, stats and where to watch the World Cup match no-one wants to play Jon Fisher 17th July, 2026 Tuchel 100 per cent committed to England in wake of World Cup exit Nicholas McGee 16th July, 2026 FIFA to decide on further steps in response to insensitive Argentina banner Nicholas McGee 16th July, 2026 Bellingham quells Messi confrontation during heated World Cup semi-final Mitch Fretton 16th July, 2026 UK Prime Minister Starmer wishes both teams well for the World Cup final, especially Spain after No 10 demand investigation into Argentina banner Jon Fisher 16th July, 2026
